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Board honors state athletic finishers and multiple staff with 'Knock Your Socks Off' awards
Summary
At its April meeting the Canal Winchester Board recognized student‑athletes who placed in state competitions and honored numerous teachers, counselors and operations staff with district 'Knock Your Socks Off' awards for classroom and community contributions.
The Canal Winchester Board of Education used its April 13 meeting to recognize student‑athletes for state‑level finishes and to present multiple staff with the district’s "Knock Your Socks Off" awards.
School leaders presented certificates to a girls wrestling state placer (third place at the 2026 girls wrestling state tournament), Gabe Merrill (third place shot put at the OAT/CCC indoor state championships; the coach noted he recently broke the school record), and Grant Hamilton (second place in the 3,200m at the 2026 indoor state championships and multi‑season placer). Coaches praised the athletes’ character, academic commitment and potential for future success.
Administrators also honored staff across the district: Mary Batton (PAR professional), Molly Piper (third‑grade teacher), Devin/Deon Handler (music teacher), Liz Logston (gifted teacher), Nathan Widner (French/media production teacher), Emily Brat (health aide), Amy Buyers (work‑based learning teacher), Aara/Aera Ruggerio (English teacher), Darnell Carson Petty (bus driver), Joseph Hurst (maintenance technician), Michaela Palava (school counselor) and Tracy Gilkkey (district representative). Nomination remarks noted relationship‑building, classroom leadership, logistical support and contributions to student success.
Board members and administrators congratulated recipients and committed to delivering certificates and tokens of appreciation to staff not present at the meeting.
